ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs 
Cabinet approves raising of additional share capital of M/s. HDFC Bankup to a maximum of Rs. 24,000 crore
Composite foreign shareholding in the bank limited to 74% of the enhanced paid-up equity share capital of the bank
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for grant of permission to M/s. HDFC Bank Ltd. to raise additional share capital of up to a maximum of Rs. 24,000 crore, including premium, over and above the previous approved limit of Rs. 10,000 crore, such that the composite foreign shareholding in the Bank shall not exceed 74% of the enhanced paid-up equity share capital of the bank.
The decision would ensure that the composite foreign shareholding in the bank inclusive of all types of foreign investments, both direct and indirect, will not exceed 74% of the enhanced paid-up equity share capital of the bank. It will be subject to Foreign Direct Investment Policy conditionalities and other sectoral regulations / guidelines.
The proposed investment is expected to strengthen the capital adequacy ratio of the bank.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar chairs the Brainstorming Session on Strategies for ending TB by 2025
We need to shift gears and come up with innovative solutions to make up for the setbacks due to COVID-19 and move beyond: Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar
“Our aim is early detection and prevention of new cases of TB by expanding TB care through engagement of various stakeholders”
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar today chaired the brainstorming session on Strategies for Ending TB by 2025.
Reiterating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to eliminate TB in India by 2025, five years ahead of the SDG targets, Dr Pawar said, “We have a mere 37 months before the deadline to end TB in the country. We need to shift gears and come up with innovative solutions to make up for the setbacks due to COVID-19 and move beyond.”
Highlighting the commitment of India towards eliminating TB, the Union Minister of State said, “Despite the pandemic, we have managed to scale up access to free rapid molecular diagnostics and treatment. Financial and nutritional support to TB patients continued unabated. Efforts made by the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme led to significant improvements in time-to-diagnosis, treatment adherence and outcomes. As proper diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to TB elimination, the Programme is working towards accelerating Universal TB Care coverage and preventive services in the country. TB preventive treatment has been prioritized under the pillar of “Prevent” in the National Strategic Plan to end TB. Scaling up TB Preventive Treatment and at the same time decentralizing it to bring services closer to patients, are of utmost importance to break the chain of transmission and breakdown of those with TB infection into full-blown TB disease.”
Highlighting the Union Government’s efforts for TB eradication, she added: “TB has now been made an essential part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care and is integrated with Ayushman Bharat scheme. Our aim is to detect cases early and prevent the emergence of new cases of TB by expanding TB care through engagement of various stakeholders, including the community. The nationwide TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan has been launched in this regard.” Mentioning the introduction of newer anti-TB drugs, newer regimens and programmes, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar appreciated the research and development efforts to combat TB.
The session focused on 5 pillars including improving case detection, improving treatment adherence, evolving ways to converge with other social welfare programs, utilizing and refining private sector engagement and finally integration of NTEP within our Health system for accelerating TB eradication in the country.
Ms Arti Ahuja, Additional Secretary  & Director General , Dr. Sudarshan Mandal, DDG TB CTD, Dr. Nishant Kumar, Joint Director , CTD, Dr. Sanjay K Mattoo, Joint Director , CTD, Dr. Raghuram Rao, Joint Director , CTD, Dr. Alok Mathur, Additional DDG , eminent experts, public health specialists and state officials were present at the meeting.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Shri Nitin Gadkari lays Foundation stone of 3 NH projects worth Rs 2,900 Crore in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for 3 NH Projects in the presence at Tirupati ,Andhra Pradesh today.
These projects encompass a combined length of 87 kilometers and carry a total cost of Rs 2,900 Crore.
The first undertaking is the Naidupate-Turpu Kanupur Section of NH-71, spanning 35 Km and requiring an investment of ₹1,399 Crore. The second project is the Chillakuru Cross-Krishnapatnam Port South Gate Section via Turpu Kanupur on NH-516W, covering a distance of 36 Km and valued at ₹909 Crore. Lastly, the Thamminapatnam-Narikellapalle Section involves an extension of the Dedicated Port Road from Eupuru to Krishnapatnam Port on NH-516W and NH-67, length of 16 Km and valued at ₹610 Crore.
Shri Gadkari said these endeavors aim to provide seamless and secure connectivity to Krishnapatnam Port, enabling faster accessibility to National Master Plan Nodes, Industrial Nodes, and SEZ at Nellore. Additionally, they will enhance the safety and convenience of devotees traveling to religious destinations such as the Shri Balaji Temple in Tirupati and the Shri Shiva Temple in Srikalahasti. He said under the dynamic leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi we remain fully committed to ensuring swift, seamless, and energy-efficient mobility across the entire nation.
Shri Gadkari said these projects will bolster tourism by establishing connections to popular attractions like the Nelapatu Bird Sanctuary and SHAR at Sriharikota. Importantly, they are also expected to generate substantial employment opportunities.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Home Delivery of Petrol and CNG
Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies  namely Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. , Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.  and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.  have informed that they have not offered home delivery of Petrol and CNG to their customers.
OMCs have informed that Home delivery of Diesel  is not offered by them. Door to Door delivery of fuel is not permitted at individual vehicles like two wheeler vehicles, three wheeler vehicles, four wheeler vehicles, commercial vehicles like cars, trucks, tempos, passenger vehicles like taxis, cars, buses, school buses, tankers etc. Door to door delivery of fuel is permitted for stationary equipments, machinery and heavy vehicles which are located at specific customer sites, in dedicated industrial zones, equipments operating in mines, construction sites, agricultural machinery, diesel generators, vehicles etc, which cannot come to the service station for refueling. The Door to Door delivery of HSD is carried out by the PESO licensed Mobile dispensers to the identified customers through start-ups and dealer owned Mobile dispensers. Under the Door to Door delivery initiative, 78 TKL of HSD has been delivered in the period 01st July 2019 to 31st August, 2020 by OMCs.
OMCs have informed that currently, there is no proposal for home delivery of Petrol and CNG.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in the Rajya Sabha today in a written reply.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister participates in "India and USA: Skilling for Future" event with First Lady of USA
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and First Lady of USA Dr. Jill Biden participated in an event focused on "India and USA: Skilling for Future” at National Science Centre in Washington DC.
The event focused on workforce redevelopment across higher education institutions to expand and enhance access to quality education across society.
Prime Minister highlighted the numerous steps taken by India to promote education, skilling and innovation. He appreciated ongoing bilateral academic exchanges, and collaborations between Indian and US academic and research ecosystems. Prime Minister presented 5-point proposals for energising India-USA collaboration in education and research sector, as follows:
- Integrated approach bringing together government, industry and academia
- Encouraging exchange of Teachers & Students
- Organising Hackathons on various subjects between the two countries
- Mutual recognition of vocational skills qualifications
- Encouraging visits of people associated with education and research.
The event was attended by the President of Northern Virginia Community College, President of Association of American Universities, President and CEO of Micron Technology, and students.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons
National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons  has been launched on 12.09.2019. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. The traders in the age group of 18-40 years with an annual turnover, not exceeding Rs.1.5 crore and who are not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS/PM-SYM or an income tax payer, can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Subscribers, after attaining the age of 60 years, are eligible for a monthly minimum assured pension of Rs.3,000/-. As the Scheme has been launched on 12th September, 2019. It envisages a coverage of about 50 lakh enrolments under the Scheme for 2019-20. In order to achieve this, various measures including celebration of Pension Week/ Pension Saptah have been taken. All State/UT Governments were requested for popularizing and bringing more awareness about the Scheme. The progress of the Scheme is being reviewed regularly in the Ministry at senior level with State/UT Governments, for taking initiatives under Mission Mode.
This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Union Minister of State  for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Opening Ceremony Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Exercise Mitra Shakti-VI
Opening ceremony of Exercise MITRA SHAKTI VI, a 14 days joint training exercise of the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army has been held on 27 March at Diyatalawa Parade Ground in Diyatalawa, Badulla District, Sri Lanka. This is the sixth edition of the joint exercise between the two nations. The exercise is being conducted from 26 March to 08 April 19.
The Indian Army contingent comprises of a company group from BIHAR Regiment and a similar strength from the First Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army. Brigadier HPNK Jayapathirana, General Officer Commanding 21 Division of Sri Lankan Army was the chief guest for the opening ceremony.
The primary focus of the exercise is to train and equip the contingents to undertake joint counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations in urban/ rural environment under the United Nations flag. The exercise provides an ideal platform for both contingents to share their operational experience and expertise while being instrumental in broadening interoperability and cooperation between the armies of India and Sri Lanka.
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Ministry of Electronics & IT
Cabinet approves promulgation of Aadhaar and Other Laws  Ordinance, 2019
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the promulgation of an Ordinance to make amendments to the Aadhaar Act 2016, Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2005 & Indian Telegraph Act 1885. The amendments proposed are the same as those contained in the Bill passed by the Lok Sabha on 4th January 2019.
Impact:-
The amendments would enable UIDAI to have a more robust mechanism to serve the public interest and restrain the misuse of Aadhaar. Subsequent to this amendment, no individual shall be compelled to provide proof of possession of Aadhaar number of undergo authentication for the purpose of establishing his identity unless it is so provided by a law made by Parliament.
Salient Features
The salient features of the amendments are as follows—
- Provides for voluntary use of Aadhaar number in physical or electronic form by authentication or offline verification with the consent of Aadhaar number holder;
- Provides for use of twelve-digit Aadhaar number and its alternative virtual identity to conceal the actual Aadhaar number of an individual;
- Gives an option to children who are Aadhaar number holders to cancel their Aadhaar number on attaining the age of eighteen years;
- Permits the entities to perform authentication only when they are compliant with the standards of privacy and security specified by the Authority; and the authentication is permitted under any law made by Parliament or is prescribed to be in the interest of State by the Central Government;
- Allows the use of Aadhaar number for authentication on voluntary basis as acceptable KYC document under the Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002.
- Proposes deletion of section 57 of the Aadhaar Act relating to use of Aadhaar by private entities;
- Prevents denial of services for refusing to, or being unable to, undergo authentication;
- Provides for establishment of Unique Identification Authority of India Fund;
- Provides for civil penalties, its adjudication, appeal thereof in regard to violations of Aadhaar Act and provisions by entities in the Aadhaar ecosystem.
Background:
The Supreme Court in its judgement dated 26.9.2018 in W.P  No.494 of 2012 and other tagged petitions held Aadhaar to be constitutionally valid. However, it read down/struck down few sections of the Aadhaar Act and Regulations and gave several other directions in the interest of protecting the fundamental rights to privacy.
Consequently it was proposed to amend the Aadhaar Act, Indian Telegraph Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in line with the Supreme Court directives and the report of Justice B.N.Srikrishna  committee on data protection, in order to ensure that personal data of Aadhaar holder remains protected against any misuse and Aadhaar scheme remains in conformity with the Constitution. Towards this, the Aadhaar and Other Laws  Bill, 2018 was passed by the Lok Sabha in its sitting held on 4th January, 2019. However, before the same could be considered and passed in the Rajya Sabha, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Sweden on IPRs
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Sweden on cooperation in the field of Intellectual Property .
The MoU establishes a wide ranging and flexible mechanism through which both countries can exchange best practices and work together on training programs and technical exchanges to raise awareness on IPRs and better protect intellectual property rights.
Impact:
The MoU will enable India to exchange experiences in the innovation and IP ecosystems that will substantially benefit entrepreneurs, investors and businesses on both sides. The exchange of best practices between the two countries will lead to improved protection and awareness about India's range of Intellectual creations which are as diverse as its-people. It will be a landmark step forward in India's journey towards becoming a major player in global Innovation and will further the objectives of National IPR Policy, 2016.
Features:
A Joint Coordination Committee  with members from both sides will be formed to decide cooperation activities to be taken under the MoU in following areas:
a) Exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP awareness among the public, businesses and educational institutions of both countries;
b) Collaboration in training programmes, exchange of experts, technical exchanges and outreach activities;
c) Exchange and dissemination of best practices, experiences and knowledge on IP with the industry, universities, R & D organisations and Small and Medium Enterprises  through participation in programs and events in the matter, organized singly or jointly by the Parties;
d) Exchange of information and best practices for disposal of applications for patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights and Geographical Indications, as also the protection, enforcement and use of IP rights;
e) Cooperation in the development of automation and implementation of modernization projects, new documentation and information systems in IP and procedures for management of IP;
f) Cooperation to understand how Traditional Knowledge is protected; and the exchange of best practices, including traditional knowledge related databases and awareness raising of existing IP systems;
g) Exchange of information and best practices regarding Intellectual Property law infringements in the digital environment, especially regarding Copyright issues; and
h) Other cooperation activities as may he decided by the Parties with mutual understanding.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Significant progress achieved in week 3 of special campaign 2.0 by DoPPW
“Ease of Living” for pensioners the central focus while re-iterating relevant circulars at a glance
4200 pensioners’ grievances with various Ministries taken up in campaign mode
Face Authentication technique of Life Certificate a milestone step for 80 and above pensioners in October 2022
Thousands of physical files as well as e-files which have outlived their codal life weeded out
Registered Pensioners’ Associations offices made part of Swachhta Campaign
The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare  is the nodal department for formulation of policies relating to pension and other retirement benefits of Central Government Pensioners/ Family Pensioners. During SCDPM 2.0 campaign, the department has targeted to resolve 4200 pending pension grievances to ensure speedy redressal and to enhance “Ease of living” for 68 lakh Central Government Pensioners.
As on 21.10.2022, the following activities were carried out by this department. i.e. within 20 days of the campaign, 3150 Pension Grievances have already been resolved. The Department is convening inter-ministerial meetings with concerned Ministries/Departments to resolve all grievances within due time period. The Department is on track to achieve the ambitious target set by it at the start of the campaign and bring down the pendency of Pension Grievances. The Department has issued 30 circulars under Easing of Rules/Processes. Total 3094 E-Files has been closed which action are completed. Total 26 Cleanliness Campaign has been conducted by this Department and Pensioners Associations across the country.
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S. No
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Activities
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Remarks
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1.
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Circulars targeting Ease of Living of pensioners which were re-iterated
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30
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2.
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4200 pending pensioner grievances within 4 walls of Rules to be resolved.
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3150
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3.
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Life Certificate issued using the advanced digital Face Authentication Technology of pensioners aged 80 and above in the month of October 2022
Total Central Government DLCs in the month of October 2022
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20745
172696
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4.
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Physical files reviewed for weeding out
Physical files identified for weeding out
Physical files weeded out
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2930
2269
1670
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5.
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E-files reviewed
E-files closed
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3747
3094
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6.
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Swachhta Camapaign carried out at different sites including registered Pensioners’ Associations offices
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26
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Sh. V. Srinivas, Secretary, DoPPW encouraging pensioners for submitting DLC through Face authentication during his visit to the office of N.F. Railway Pensioners' Association, Pandu, Guwahati.
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Submitting DLC through Face Authentication during launch by Bharat Pensioner Samaj, New Delhi , a Pensioners’ Association
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Before
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After
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Weeding out of files and creating office space at in the record room, DoPPW, Lok Nayak Bhavan, New Delhi
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Ministry of Finance
CGST Delhi West officials arrest one for fraudulently availing ITC of more than Rs 50 crore
On the basis of an alert, an investigation against M/s Niyati Steels has been undertaken by CGST Delhi West Commissionerate. One Shri Karan Kumar Aggarwal in his voluntary statements has admitted that he looks after all day-to-day transactions and operations of the said firm. The said firm has availed ITC of Rs 7.7 crore from non-existent entities.
Through further inquiry and the use of analytical tools, it was found that six more firms were linked with Shri Karan Kumar Agarwal. These firms on the strength of goods-less invoices worth approx. Rs. 292 crore, have collectively availed ineligible/inadmissible Input Tax Credit  of more than Rs. 52 crore from non-existent entities. Shri Karan Kumar Agarwal has admitted in his voluntary statement that he has used his Aadhar for authentication in all these 6 firms and has issued goods-less invoices without receiving any goods in some of these firms and he is also involved in sale of goods-less invoices for commission of 3 to 4% of the taxable value of the invoices.
In view of his own admission of his involvement in availment of ineligible/inadmissible ITC and substantiated by data analytics, Karan Kumar Agarwal was arrested for offences under section 132 of the CGST Act, 2017 read with section 69 of the said Act and remanded to Judicial Custody by the Ld. ACMM Court for 14 days.
Further investigation is under progress.
Election Commission
Timelines for Publicity of Criminal Antecedents
In continuation of the detailed instructions dated 10.10.2018 and 6.3.2020 issued by ECI in the matter of publicity of criminal antecedents by the contesting candidates as well as by the political parties nominating such candidates, it was discussed at length in the Commission’s meeting today. Commission decided to further streamline the instructions concerning publicity of criminal antecedents by candidates concerned and by the political parties, who nominate them for elections. Commission has always emphasised on this moral yardstick for overall betterment of electoral democracy.
Highlights of the modified instructions are as follows:
A. Revised Timeline for Publicity
As per the revised guideline, the candidates as well as the political parties, regarding candidates nominated by them, will publish the details of criminal antecedents, if any, in newspapers and television in following manner:
- First publicity: Within first 4 days of last date of withdrawal.
- Second publicity: Within 5th to 8th day of last date of withdrawal
- Third publicity: From 9th day till the last day of campaign, i.e. two days prior to date of poll)
This timeline will help the voters in exercising their choices in more informed manner.
B. Regarding the publicity by uncontested winning candidates as well as the political parties who nominate them, it is clarified that uncontested winner candidates as well as the political parties who nominate them shall also publicise the criminal antecedents, if any, as prescribed for other contesting candidates and political parties.
As decided by Commission, a Compendium of all instructions and formats issued so far, in this matter, is being published for the benefit of stakeholders. This will help in creating more awareness amongst the voters and other stakeholders. All instructions, in this regard, must be complied by the contesting candidates with criminal antecedents and the political parties regarding their nominated candidates. These modified instructions shall apply with immediate effect.